For the study, researchers then tested an FKBP51-blocking compound called SAFit2, to treat mood disorders by acting in the brain to reduce anxiety.

By selectively blocking FKBP51 in the spinal cord, they were able to test its effects on chronic pain independently of its known effects on the brain.

SAFit2 substantially alleviated chronic pain in mice, making it a promising candidate for drug development, the study found.

“The compound was designed to have positive effects on mental health, but we have discovered that it also has significant benefits for physical pain syndromes,” said senior author of the study Sandrine Géranton.